Chapter 10 - Smart hybrid coatings for corrosion protection applications

Abstract

Metals exposed to a corrosive environment will lose their strength by the formation of their stable oxides through an electrochemical phenomenon via the formation of corrosion cells. Corrosion protection prevents the corrosion-cell formation by applying coatings over it. Different types of conventional coatings have been developed including smart organic–inorganic hybrid coatings. Epoxy–silica and polymer-based silica hybrid coatings, which are made through the sol–gel process, have demonstrated high-anticorrosive efficiency along with high thermal and mechanical resistance. The hybrid coating approach has been termed as the self-assembled nanophase particle (SNAP) coating process and is considered as an environment-friendly alternative to existing conversion surface treatments. Among various types of corrosion inhibitors, organic corrosion inhibitors appear to be the most suitable for physical entrapment within the SNAP-coating material by adding the inhibitor in the reaction mixture with subsequent cross-linking and formation of a host network structure. This chapter deals with the scope for synthesis, characterization, and applications of hybrid organic and inorganic coatings that can be used for corrosion prevention and protection.